The England internationals were major contributors to the overall budget of around £3m, and the move marks the latest switch from sports field to movie studio.

Previous sports stars to have entered the film industry have included Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who recently starred in the critically acclaimed Looking For Eric while former American Footballer OJ Simpson has appeared in a number of Hollywood movies.

How Ferdinand and Cole's project is received is impossible to predict. Previous ventures have had mixed fortunes, but you'll be able to judge for yourself on 30 August when Dead Man Running is released.